Austin TX via Montreal psychedelic supergroup MIEN current line-up is Alex Maas (The Black Angels), Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), John-Mark Lapham (The Earlies) and Robb Kidd (Golden Dawn Arkestra). Since their inception, MIEN has been a confluence of diverse musical influences and shared histories. The seeds of this collaboration were planted back in 2004 when Rishi Dhir, known for his work with Elephant Stone, crossed paths with Alex Maas of The Black Angels during a serendipitous encounter at SXSW. This meeting sparked a friendship and a series of collaborations. Around the same time, Rishi met John Mark Lapham of The Earlies, whose electronic and production expertise would become a cornerstone of MIEN’s sound. Robb Kidd (Alex Maas, Golden Dawn Arkestra) joined the band on drums in 2018. These connections eventually led to the formation of MIEN, a band that seamlessly blends their varied musical backgrounds into a unique sonic tapestry. Building upon the foundations of their critically acclaimed 2018 self-titled debut while venturing into uncharted territories, their long-awaited second album MIIEN marks a bold new chapter for a band whose alchemical approach to music has redefined the boundaries of psychedelia and pushes the group’s collaborative and exploratory ethos to thrilling new heights.

What They Say: “Silent Golden is a song that was birthed by our former bandmate, Tom Furse (The Horrors). It had been knocking around as an instrumental demo for quite some time prior to our album 2 sessions. We all could hear great potential in it as a MIEN track, but weren’t sure where it was going to go or how we’d get it there. As is often the case, we wanted to get it to a place where it sparked something for Alex to dream up a vocal for it. To add to Tom’s demo, we recorded some thunderous drums and a bassline that gave it a new groove. Alex recorded some surprisingly sweet vocals and a gentle acoustic guitar part that brought it home. The last piece to fall in place was bringing in Thor Harris (Swans) to record some of his signature clarinet and percussion.“ 

“Like many of our songs, Empty Sun began as a series of loops paired with a lyric-less vocal demo from Alex. From there, Alex and Robb laid down the initial ideas before passing it along to the rest of us. The track sat untouched for a while until John Mark revisited it, shaping it into something new with distinct sections, samples, and layers of Solina string machine. To lock in the groove, Robb returned to the studio, recording what felt like countless drum takes to perfect the complex patterns and make them as ‘mean’ (MIEN) as possible. As the track evolved, Rishi teamed up with Elephant Stone guitarist Robbie to layer in massive, warped guitar textures that brought Empty Sun roaring to life.” 

Their Mixtape: Songs of Love and Isolation

Side A:

Track 1: This Mortal Coil – Song to the Siren

No Lapham mixtape would be complete without Song to the Siren, This Mortal Coil’s version (by far the best of many, many covers). This is quite possibly my favorite song of all-time. Song to the Siren has followed me since my teen years as a testament to love lost and pure loneliness. Rarely has Elizabeth Fraser sounded this other-worldly (which is saying a lot…) The perfect balance of musicianship and studio magic. Timeless. (John-Mark Lapham)

Track 2: Julee Cruise – Falling

I recently lost a dear friend. We bonded many years ago over our love for David Lynch/Twin Peaks. This song will forever remind me of him. (Rishi Dhir)

Track 3: Art Feyman – I Can Dream

I discovered this song around the time I signed to Art’s label, Western Vinyl, with my side project, Old Fire. From the first time I heard it, I Can Dream grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. I connect with the lyrics so closely in some liminal space where it feels like I wrote them myself while asleep. It perfectly captures a sense of loneliness and yearning for love. (John-Mark Lapham)

 

Track 4: Moondog – All Is Loneliness

I went through a crazy Moondog phase when all of his obscure recordings were resurfacing and being reissued in the early 00’s. This song hit me the deepest; a somber, meditative piece of music. Eccentric but emotional. (John-Mark Lapham)

Side B:

Track 5: Glen Campell – Wichita Lineman

Perhaps one of the first pop songs I ever remember hearing. It serves as a time machine, instantly beaming me back to south Texas in the early 70’s. It was only many years later I came to appreciate the musicianship on it provided by the Wrecking Crew. Hearing that opening bass lick is like settling into a warm bath.  (John-Mark Lapham)

Track 6: Broadcast – Follow the Light 

As so many others, I was gutted and grief-stricken when I heard of Trish Keenan’s passing. It seemed like a tragedy to lose such a gifted singer-songwriter who gave us so much amazing music. When her compilation of demos, Spell Blanket, came out last year, it was like a gift from beyond the grave. This song is the standout on an album with so many wonderful songs. Her voice is as spellbinding and ethereal as ever. (John-Mark Lapham)

Track 7: David Bowie- Some Are

Some Are was co-written with Eno, and recorded around the time of Bowie’s Low sessions. It’s baffling that it didn’t make it onto the album (or even surface until many years later). I first heard it some 17 years ago as I was driving through the mountains of West Texas with a friend who had made a mixtape for our journey. I would swear that I could see the song moving around the landscape, reverberating off rocks and dirt. It felt so mysterious, so alive. One of my favorite Bowie songs of all time. (John-Mark Lapham)

The Album:

“Recorded between Montreal, Abilene and Austin, Texas, MIIEN captures MIEN’s unique creative process. Most songs began as simple ideas—a loop, a vocal phrase, or a groove—passed between members and meticulously layered. John Mark Lapham, the band’s “musical alchemist,” transformed these sketches into fully realized compositions, adding bold textures and dynamic shifts. Alex Maas’s hauntingly beautiful vocals bring a dark yet alluring dimension to the sound, elevating each track with his distinctive presence. 
The album’s genesis reflects MIEN’s boundary-pushing spirit. The band’s collaborative workflow sees individual sketches evolving as each member contributes their distinct sonic palette. “It’s an organic process,” notes Rishi Dhir. “A simple idea can become something monumental when we each put our stamp on it.” The creative journey was heightened during key in-person sessions, such as an intensive recording period in Austin during South by Southwest. These rare opportunities for the band to work together in the same space added a dynamic immediacy to several tracks. MIIEN represents the strength of the band’s collective vision. Each member brings their unique perspective to the table, creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. With its richly textured soundscapes and fearless experimentation, the album bridges the golden age of ‘60s psychedelia with the cutting edge of modern music. Reflecting on the journey, John Mark notes, “Working with these guys has been one of the most enjoyable experiences in my music career. Our synergy is seamless, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes us.” 

MIIEN will be out April 18^th via Fuzz Club. Look HERE for more information on MIEN.